As the city manager of East St. Louis, I have seen firsthand how gaming revenue can positively impact small communities like this one. Revenue from the expansion of sports betting has helped fund vital services which our community relies on. That is why I’m encouraging our legislators in Springfield to authorize the mobile gambling app iGaming, which would greatly benefit communities like mine.
Legalizing iGaming in Illinois offers not only steady revenue but also a well-regulated environment for players. In contrast, an unauthorized market thrives while offering no consumer protections.
A well-regulated iGaming market in Illinois will shift players from unsafe, unregulated platforms to trusted, secure sites, ensuring fair play and protecting their financial security. With over $750 million in potential revenue, Illinois can fund vital services, invest in infrastructure and create jobs.
The state’s economy will grow through job creation in industries like tech, customer support and compliance. Small communities like ours stand to benefit greatly, as we can reinvest these funds into vital local services, ensuring a better future for our residents.
I urge lawmakers to consider how legalizing iGaming can drive economic growth, provide consumer protections, and eliminate the negative impact of illegal gambling operations in Illinois.
Robert Betts
City Manager
East St. Louis
Original Article: https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/letters/article_0dc847d9-ec9a-46e7-8ac4-49abf10b2ade.html